Commission approves auto-sales CUP for 2500 Valley Ave with landscaping, site-plan conditions

At the Nov. 18, 2025 meeting the Winchester Planning Commission considered a conditional use permit (CUP 25-235) requested by Steven Peddler on behalf of Lanzetta Properties LLC to operate an automobile and truck sales establishment at 2500 Valley Avenue, in the Neighborhood Design District (NDD).

Planning staff presented aerial photos and a sketch site plan showing vehicle display areas, a proposed enclosed service bay, and the property’s context near Wards Plaza and an upcoming townhouse phase on Hope Drive. Staff noted the application was first reviewed at the Nov. 5 work session and that recommendations from the commission would go to city council for final action.

Applicant Steven Peddler (speaker 15) argued the existing building and configuration were suitable for reuse and that several existing car dealers already operate on Valley Avenue. The property owner (speaker 12) said the parcel had been under contract before rezoning to the NDD and expressed frustration at notification and timing.

Commissioners debated whether an auto-sales use fit the NDD’s long-range walkable, mixed-use vision for the corridor. Some commissioners said the NDD is a multi-decade plan and preferred to hold out for redevelopment consistent with the plan; others argued the property is a long-vacant building appropriate for interim reuse and that reasonable conditions could protect walkability and neighboring investments.

Staff and the applicant discussed screening and landscaping; staff noted that, in the core area, vehicle-display uses have limited parking requirements but that site-plan review and screening elements could be required as conditions. After a motion to deny failed, the commission approved a motion to recommend approval (mover: speaker 6), and that approval was amended to include a specific condition that the landscaping on the property must be maintained (not removed or altered) while the use exists on site. The approval is subject to final site-plan approval, required business licensing, and any standard Motor Vehicle Dealer Board approvals.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to city council. If city council approves the CUP, the permittee must obtain a final site plan and business license prior to commencing the use, and the permit contains a provision that the CUP expires if the use ceases for one year or longer.